• Premier League

Garlick steps into West Brom director role

Dan Ashworth has moved on to an FA position © PA Photos

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West Brom have appointed Richard Garlick as the successor to Dan Ashworth as sporting and technical director after an extensive search by chairman Jeremy Peace.

Peace made the decision to promote Garlick from his role as the club's legal director/secretary to replace Ashworth who will leave in June to become the Football Association's new director of elite development.

Ashworth, who was promoted in a similar fashion at Albion to the post he has held for eight years, will now work extensively with Garlick to prepare for the summer transfer window, before he leaves to take up his position at the National Football Centre at St George's Park.

His role has been vital for Albion in attaining and retaining their Premier League status and Peace is convinced Garlick will be able to continue the progress with his new responsibilities of the first team, player recruitment, medical services and the club's academy.

"This is an important appointment for the club. We have had Richard in mind since the start of the process and after completing our research, he emerged as the strongest candidate," Peace told West brom's official website.

"As with Dan when he was initially appointed, Richard already has an in-depth knowledge of the club, excellent relationships with the staff who will report to him and a clear understanding of how we operate.

"He will now work closely with Dan in a designate capacity with a view to taking on the role in a full capacity when Dan leaves to join The FA."

Garlick joined Albion in May 2010, initially as legal counsel/secretary and was appointed to the club's board seven months later and he is relishing the chance to carry on Ashworth's work, saying: "This is a great opportunity and I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

"Dan will be a hard act to follow but the role has become solidly established at the club under his stewardship. I know what the job is all about as I've worked closely with Dan for the past two-and-a-half years.

"I'm sure Dan will be the first to admit that the success he has enjoyed would not have been possible without the support of the individuals within his departments. He has created an environment that has allowed each of his departments to flourish and this is something I aim to continue and, where possible, build upon.

Albion are one of few clubs in England to make the sporting/technical director post work. Former head coaches Roberto Di Matteo and Roy Hodgson embraced the method and now Steve Clarke is keen to work with Garlick.

"I have found working with a sporting & technical director hugely beneficial. I already have an excellent working relationship with Richard and can see why he has been given this opportunity. I look forward to working with him in his new role as we aim to keep moving the club forward."

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